Reds' Jay Bruce might recover faster than expected

Jay Bruce was supposed to miss three weeks to a month after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

That timetable may be a bit conservative. Bruce began jogging on Tuesday and took batting practice on the field.

"I'm not putting a time on when I'm ready to come back," Bruce said. "But I'm progressing well. I haven't had any hiccups or problems in the rehab. Medical staff has done an unbelievable job. I've been their pawn. They tell me what to do and it's been working."

"You want to get back as fast as you can," he said. "But you also want to come back when you're ready. You don't want to rush it because it could cause problems in the future. But, so far, I've had no hiccups. Nothing. It's been a really great process.

"We're looking at a two- to three-game commitment," Price said. "Just to verify that everything's OK. We'll look at him after the second game to make sure everything's OK, then make a re-assessment."

It sounds like Mesoraco will be activated for the opener of the three-game series in Philadelphia, if all goes well.

-- Mat Latos (elbow) is scheduled to throw a second bullpen session Wednesday.

"We'll take him on the road with us," Price said. "He could potentially throw a simulated game on the road trip. We hope to have him back by the end of the month or more likely the first week of June."

The simulated game will be the last step before going out on rehab assignment. Latos will make at least three rehab starts to build up to 85 to 90 pitches.

"The way we intend to get Mat back in the mix is more traditional - one simulated game and they get him out and build him up. What's transpired is the setback. That setback created a 10-day non-throwing window for Mat."

-- Tony Cingrani (shoulder) will likely start the second game of the series in Philly. He's eligible to come off the DL Friday. The Reds are listing Saturday as TBA.

"He's got a little more to accomplish," Price said. "He's got a couple more bullpens. But we anticipate he'll pitch for us on the road trip."

-- Billy Hamilton (finger) was in the lineup for the second straight game.

"I don't know if he's' 100 percent," Price said. "That might be a reach. That being said, he's able to work with what he has to work with. He banged up the finger pretty well. He certainly has swung the bat well for us. He continues to be a bunt threat."